Martial Arts Instructors

Being a martial arts instructor can be rewarding and difficult in the martial arts industry. We are tasked with many types of responsibilities and we put so much value in our lives for others. We serve the community and teach children to grow up to become great members of society.

Who is Lorenzo Sandoval? 

As a karate instructor I was always passionate about karate and how its helped my life deal with some challenges. I have used the martial arts as a way to push through some of the hardest points of my life. Having that background always made me push myself and create success that have help me grow. One of the most important things about being instructor is knowing you must help the future become better and recognize it as a leader its your duty to set an example to those are coming ahead of you.

As a martial arts school owner born and raised here in Las Vegas, I value the life skills learned in karate and other aspects of my life. Though, id say I was an average competitor in my competitive life, I always wanted to create a dojo that could teach kids a good environment to become great kids. This is a purpose I focus on.

What to look for in a Karate Instructor

Lets face it, I have made mistakes myself. This is just my opinion and as a martial arts instructor, I have not been perfect running my business. but its important to share my experience. Here are some quick bullet points when your looking for a martial arts instructor and what to look for in a good one or bad one.

Bad Instructor Signs

• Doesn’t think  about others safety and often times endangers your training
• Does not practice himself
• Has never really fought or competed
• Does not give solid examples how to use his techniques in a fight
• Too much spiritual training into the program and uses that as a cope out
• Cannot display the moves in a class and often teaches techniques he cannot do
• The high level students or black belts cannot fight or show solid examples of their techniques
• Always trying to sell you a better “Program”
• is not open about his curriculum to the public
• States that his techniques are too dangerous and are only taught to certain students.
• The kids that they teach often times are playing around in class and don’t take training seriously
• There are constant stories about himself rather than focusing on class.
• There is no sparring in class, bad instructors will claim sparring is not needed. Do not listen to this.
• The martial arts school isolate themselves from society and is a stand alone organization
• Application of all the techniques should be in class
• The are more focused on decoration in the dojo then the actual training
• They are more focused on decorations on the uniform then the training
• There is no contact at all in sparring/ touch sparring is a bad philosophy and can be dangerous and give false self of confidence.
• The students are sitting the whole time instead of training
• The students are not having fun and not able to enjoy the benefits of the instructor which means the dojo has not invested in making better classes.

Good Instructor Signs

• Enjoy what he does
• Lots of happy students who are very good
• Passionate in their teaching
• Hard working and cares about their students
• Willing to lead by example
• patience with their students and breaking down the simplest techniques
• Prepared and has a organized curriculum
• Can display the techniques being taught at a high skill level in different scenarios
• Stays in shape or tries too
• understand drilling their students make them better
• Is part of something bigger then themselves
• The school focuses on developing the students mindset
• Always professional and reasonable in his services
• Creates an atmosphere where people can excel

How does martial arts help your kids?

Martial arts have long been recognized not just for their self-defense techniques, but also for their deeper life lessons and character-building properties. When taught correctly, martial arts can help children grow and develop in numerous ways, both mentally and physically. Here are some ways martial arts instructors play a crucial role in aiding the growth of kids:

1. Discipline: Martial arts training emphasizes discipline. Instructors teach children to control their impulses, stay dedicated to practice, and commit to the learning process. This discipline can be applied to other areas of life, such as academics and personal responsibilities.

1. Respect: Respect for oneself and for others is a foundational principle in most martial arts. Instructors model respect and require it within their classes. Children learn to bow to their sensei (teacher) and to their peers, teaching them humility and honoring tradition.
2. Physical Fitness: Martial arts provide a full-body workout. Instructors emphasize the importance of maintaining good health, flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. This can instill a lifelong love for physical fitness and wellbeing.
3. Self-Confidence: As children learn and master new techniques, they gain confidence in their abilities. Achieving new belts and progressing through ranks can be particularly rewarding. Instructors play a role in recognizing these achievements and pushing kids to their potential.
   

   Board Breaking for martial arts

4. Focus and Concentration: Martial arts often require memorization of sequences, kata, or poomse (forms), and precise attention to detail. Instructors help children to enhance their focus, which can benefit them in academic settings as well.
5. Conflict Resolution: While martial arts teach kids self-defense, they also emphasize the importance of avoiding physical confrontations whenever possible. Instructors teach children to use their skills as a last resort and promote non-violent conflict resolution.
6. Goal Setting: Progress in martial arts is often marked by different colored belts or sashes. Children learn to set short-term and long-term goals, working diligently to achieve each new rank.
7. Teamwork: Even though martial arts can be seen as an individual activity, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Instructors create a class environment where students learn to help and support each other, often through partner drills or sparring sessions.
   

   Portrait Photography with Lorenzo Sandoval

8. Developing Resilience: Not every technique is mastered on the first try, and not every competition is won. Instructors help children understand the value of perseverance, teaching them to get up and try again even after failures or setbacks.
9. Awareness and Mindfulness: Many martial arts have roots in ancient philosophies that promote mindfulness and being present in the moment. Instructors often incorporate these principles, teaching children to be aware of their surroundings and to be mindful in their actions.